Vajpayee will remain guardian of party, says Rajnath

Shimla, Dec 11 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party president Rajnath Sngh today said that former Prime Minister and party veteran Atal Bihari Vajpayee will continue to play the role of a guardian of the party. Singh made this statement a day after the BJP anointed L K Advani as its prime ministerial candidate for next Lok Sabha polls. “Vajpayee jee had been a source of inspiration for the BJP and will continue to guide us,” he told reporters here. Advani was anointed in consultations with all party leaders and allies, said Singh, adding that this announcement has nothing to with the Gujarat Assembly polls. “The BJP decided to project Advani as its next Prime Minister after consulting everybody, senior leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee as well the NDA allies,” Singh said. “Yesterday was just another day. There is no justification to link it with the Gujarat polls,” he added. Singh reached here to campaign for his party for the second phase of election for the 68- member Himachal Pradesh Assembly will take place on December 19 The term of the State Assembly is due to expire on March 9, 2008. The first phase of elections was held on November 14. The counting of votes will take place on December 28. (ANI)